Don't Feed This Type Of Peanut Butter To Your Dog

Peanut butter and dogs—a natural fit, right? Most dogs love it and it’s ideal for stuffing in hollow toys or for disguising pills. But increasingly, xylitol, a sugar substitute used in gum, yogurt, candy, and more, is being used in some peanut butters and nut butters. Safe for humans, xylitol is extremely toxic for dogs and can be life-threatening.

“If you feed your dog pills coated in peanut butter, or put peanut butter in their hollow chew toys, make sure to check the list of ingredients first to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol,” said Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian at the FDA.

Dogs who have ingested xylitol require immediate treatment. Xylitol poisoning can cause seizures, liver failure and possibly death. Anyone who suspects their dog may have ingested xylitol should contact their veterinarian or the Pet Poison Hotline immediately. Symptoms manifest quickly and include vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, and difficulty walking.

Peanut butter brands that contain xylitol include Go Nuts, Co., Krush Nutrition, Nuts 'N More and P28 Foods. Peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol is absolutely safe for dogs and a healthy treat—just be sure to read the label! We love Dog For Dog's DogButter. It's made for dogs so you know it's good for them, plus for every jar you buy, another is donated to a dog in need!